Osteochondrosis is one of the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system, the age limit of which decreases every year.Its most characteristic symptom is the degeneration of the spine, i.e. the limitation of its mobility caused by damage to the integrity of the spinal discs.Prevention of osteochondrosis plays an important role, which makes it possible to delay the onset of the disease until old age.
Traditional treatment
These are the methods of classical medicine.Licensed doctors treat osteochondrosis with tablets, ointments, injections (medicines), spinal traction and physical therapy.These methods have proven their effectiveness through many years of practice and positive results.
Medicines
The main goal of treating the disease with tablets, injections and ointments is to alleviate the symptoms of the disease during its worsening.Depending on the degree of neglect and the severity of the condition, the following drugs are used for treatment:
- NSAIDs - to relieve general aggravation, swelling and inflammatory reactions.
- Muscle relaxants - to relieve muscle tension and relieve spasms.
- Painkillers for the blockage.
- Hormonal drugs are one of the most powerful drugs that are used in the absence of a positive treatment result when other drugs are used.
- Chondroprotectors – for the restoration of cartilage tissue and intervertebral discs.
- Preparations for improving blood microcirculation and restoring metabolic processes.
- Vitamin-mineral complexes - to improve the patient's general condition.
Effective treatment of osteochondrosis with drugs is possible only if the drugs are selected by a doctor.This method gives positive results, but is used in difficult cases;prevention of osteochondrosis using special exercises no longer gives any effect.
Traction
Traction of the spine is quite effective and is based on the use of special equipment.It is used to stretch the spine.The goal of this treatment is to restore the natural shape of the spine and increase the space between the vertebrae.The procedure brings relief and allows you to temporarily eliminate pain.A positive result must be consolidated by strengthening the muscular corset around the spine.Loads on the back after the procedure are unacceptable.
Exercise therapy
Physical therapy has truly magical possibilities, which is used both as one of the methods of disease treatment and as prevention of osteochondrosis.Skillful use of a specially designed set of exercises is in most cases used as an addition to current treatment, and in some cases it can completely replace drugs.
A selection of exercises provides:
- Restoring spinal mobility.
- Improvement of impaired blood circulation in paravertebral tissues.
- Pain relief.
When forming a complex of therapeutic exercises, the individual characteristics of the patient, the degree of neglect of the disease and the dose of physical activity, which should not lead to overstrain, must be taken into account.In addition to specially designed exercises that are recommended to the patient, doctors positively evaluate the effects of swimming, hiking and walking.
Among the techniques used by traditional healers to treat osteochondrosis, the following are widely used:
- Yoga.
- Pilates.
- Qigong.
Each of these methods has its own characteristics that must be taken into account in order to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Yoga
Yoga can help treat osteochondrosis through stretching exercises.They help improve blood circulation, restore mobility and muscle strength of the spine.A positive effect can be achieved by gradually increasing the load and gently stretching the muscles.
Yoga classes require a certain level of preparation.In addition to the simplest ones, it contains quite complex asanas that require proper breathing, optimal coordination and a certain rhythm of movement.Therefore, it is better to start under the guidance of an experienced mentor.The following simple movements can be used as preparatory movements before the main training:
- Stand straight, hands down, feet shoulder width apart.Tilt your head to the right and left, three times in each direction, while gently pressing the opposite hand on the neck.Hold the position for 3 seconds, then return to the starting position.Performing this asana helps in gently stretching and strengthening the neck muscles and vertebrae.To continue stretching, complete the exercise with maximum turns of the head to the right and left while looking back, fixing the achieved position for up to three seconds, and then return to the starting position.
- To relax the muscles of the cervicothoracic spine, take the following starting position - kneel, then sit on your heels, bring your big toes together, knees hip-width apart.As you exhale, lower yourself forward until your forehead touches the floor, arms by your body, palms up, shoulders relaxed.Hold the pose for a while until you have the strength to hold on.
The effect of yoga is achieved through systematic training under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
Pilates
The most acceptable of the non-traditional methods, which allows moderate physical activity and well-designed exercises to restore the lost mobility of the spine and increase its strength.Pilates technique is specially designed for those who have problems with the spine.It allows you to conduct classes with people of any age.
During the exercises, the back muscles are strengthened, the mobility and flexibility of the spine is developed, and the posture is improved.Systematic exercises allow you to normalize metabolic processes in the body and improve blood circulation.In addition, it is believed that early stage osteochondrosis can be overcome by practicing Pilates.The following exercises are effective for spine problems:
- Leans to the right and left from a standing position.
- Step into a high hip lift position.
- Lifting the body with tension from a lying position, arms forward.
- Initial position - standing, hands in a "lock" in front of the chest, then alternately bend the right knee in front of you, then the left leg - fix the position for three to five seconds.
- Bend back and forth, kneeling, reaching your hands to the floor.
Experts say that practicing Pilates can achieve good results in the treatment of osteochondrosis, but this method should not be considered a panacea.And although there are practically no contraindications, it is better to use it after the doctor's recommendations.
Qigong
Today, Chinese gymnastics qigong (qi gong), based on therapeutic Taoist and Tibetan psychological practices and aimed at healing the body through a system of motor exercises and breathing exercises, is gaining wide popularity.
Experts who study the effect of qigong on the treatment of osteochondrosis note that good results can be achieved if the classes are conducted only under the guidance of an experienced trainer.He chooses the doctor's office based on the individual characteristics of the patient and his physical condition, taking into account the recommendations of the attending physician.In addition, in order to get results in the form of resolution of osteochondrosis, the following conditions must be met:
- You must practice in the morning or in the evening in silence.
- First you need to get rid of distracting thoughts, anxiety and bad mood.
- You cannot exercise on an empty stomach, but even after a hearty lunch, exercise is contraindicated.
- It is not advisable to start doing exercises in a state of great excitement, regardless of whether it is joyful or not.
Prevention
Treatment of any disease is always a complex and long-term process.However, there are methods and techniques that can prevent the development of the disease.Prevention of osteochondrosis of the spine includes a whole series of measures aimed at preventing the disease, the most effective of which are recognized as:
- Organizing a proper diet, following a diet, including in the diet vitamin salads, foods with a low GI (glycemic index), as well as those containing polyunsaturated fatty acids.
- Performing morning exercises with simple stretching exercises for the spine, daily jogging or walking, depending on your state of health.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: quitting smoking, alcohol and sitting for hours in front of the TV or at the computer, maintaining a daily routine.
A healthy spine is the key to a full, joyful life.It is entirely possible to protect him from injury and disease without medical intervention.You just need to remember that prevention of osteochondrosis is much cheaper than treatment.